Managing security
Security is important to our passengers and we need to convey them in as safe and secure a manner as we can reasonably achieve. We also have responsibility for the security of our employees.
The Group Security Policy applies across all operating companies. Security risks are considered in relation to people (customers and staff) and property (vehicles and premises). They are regularly reviewed in response to changing needs.
We continue to work to engage our staff in security issues as they play a particularly important role in creating a more secure environment. A specially commissioned Security DVD, ‘It’s obvious isn’t it?’, designed specifically to reflect the UK Bus operating environment has been developed for all our operational people. We believe this DVD is the only one of its kind being used by a bus operator in the United Kingdom. The training covers a range of security issues including the threat from terrorism.
In addition to this we promote security in the following ways:-
- posters for display in depots
- personal aide-memoire cards to drivers
- aide-memoire notices on buses
- guidance to managers
- briefings to staff.
Senior managers conduct ‘security tours’ alongside the existing ‘safety tours’ and have been issued with aide-memoire cards to assist them in this process.
We are increasing the installation and use of CCTV on buses. Cameras are an effective deterrent and make passengers and staff feel more secure.
At a strategic level we are involved in government-sponsored transport security reviews. We have strongly supported the introduction of robust pre-employment checks to confirm the suitability of anyone seeking a Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence.
At a local level our operating companies develop complementary approaches to security. Examples include engagement with schools as part of local anti-vandalism campaigns and partnerships with local police forces.